“They came as advertised, and it was good for us to be able to play a really talented team this early in the season with conference games coming up,” said Florence varsity football head coach Kent Walstrom. “They took it to us, but we’ll be a different team and hopefully a better team the rest of this season because of it. And maybe we’ll get our two injured starters back at some point.”

Florence did not play the game at full strength, holding out standout guard/defensive tackle Bryce Leffler and running back/linebacker Logan Thompson due to injuries sustained in Florence’s season opening win at Almond the week before.

“We had some plays that should have led to points and a more competitive game,” Walstrom said. “But it’s the second game of the season and all five starters across our offensive line and four of the eight spots on our defense tonight were manned by players who weren’t starters at those spots a season ago.

“So there’s a learning curve there, and I think it’s important to keep that perspective in mind when I judge the outcome and our performance against a senior-dominated team trying to repeat as state champs,” he added. “That’s a different ball game along the line of scrimmage if Bryce is in there, too.”

Bobcat defender Joey Holmstrom (9) goes low to bring down a Newman Catholic player during first half action, with some help from a pair of his teammates, in Friday night’s varsity football contest at Florence. (Dennis Mansfield/Daily News photo)

Florence’s only score came on a 65-yard touchdown run by running back Logan Schuls on the Bobcats’ first possession of the second half. Florence ended the game with 100 rushing yards on 17 carries with Schuls, six carries for 74 yards, and Will Kelley, six carries for 31 yards, leading the way.

The Bobcats recorded just 10 passing yards on the night on 11 passing attempts against Newman Catholic (2-0).

“Just as in game one, Will (Kelley) threw some beautiful passes to wide open receivers — scoring chances — and we dropped them,” Walstrom said. “No excuse for the number of dropped passes we’ve had through these first two games.”

Junior Joey Holmstrom led Florence’s defense with eight tackles from his outside linebacker spot, and defensive end Will Sipple added five tackles and two sacks. Safeties Will Kelley and Evan Johnson had seven tackles each.

“Will Kelley is really playing well for us on both sides of the ball. Breyson Kelley has been very solid at center and Will Sipple is having a nice senior season and giving us big contributions on both sides of the ball,” Walstrom said. “Logan Koski is coming along and earning a lot of playing time, and Logan Schuls had another explosive run for a score and is starting to settle in at running back.

Still not happy with some of our blocking and tackling, and that’s mostly where you win or lose football games,” the coach added.

The Bobcats (1-1) travel to Tri-County on Friday, with the opening kickoff set for 7 p.m.